“Civilization exists by geological consent—subject to change without notice.”—Will Durant

Geology is the study of the Earth, and in particular its history, structure, and the processes that have molded our planet and its biosphere. Geology involves the origin of continents and ocean basins, earthquakes and volcanoes, variations in global climate, and how these physical changes impact the evolution of life. All of these planetary processes are viewed through the prism of “deep time,” a perspective unique to geologists and one that distinguishes geology from most of the other physical sciences.

A significant component of geology is oriented toward the interaction between humans and the Earth. This aspect includes the study of resources such as minerals, oil, and water; identification and mitigation of Earth hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions; identification and mitigation of polluted ground water; land use planning; and the study of ancient and modern climate change.

The Program. Students interested in becoming professional geologists or continuing their geological studies at the graduate level should choose the Bachelor of Science degree program. The Bachelor of Arts program is for students interested in an interdisciplinary program of study, or who plan to go into pre-college teaching. Both programs allow students to emphasize an aspect of the field of particular interest to them. The upper division electives are not restricted to geology courses but must be chosen to provide a relevant, coherent, and in-depth program of study. Transfer students should have completed as much as possible of the preparatory subject matter listed below.

Internships and Career Alternatives. In recent years in California, the largest employers of geologists have been environmental and geotechnical consulting firms, with oil companies, research laboratories and government agencies also providing opportunities. Students graduating with a Bachelor's degree may get entry-level positions in the private sector or they may go on to attain their teaching credential to fill the growing need for science teachers at all pre-college levels. A Master's degree is the most versatile professional level degree, and a Ph.D. is generally required for research and academic positions. Internships are strongly encouraged for undergraduates and are a means of exploring potential career opportunities that can lead to positions after graduation. UC Davis students have interned at the California Division of Mines and Geology, the State Department of Water Resources, CAL-EPA, and various consulting firms. For more information, see http://geology.ucdavis.edu/students/careers/index.php.

Education Abroad Options. The department strongly encourages interested students to pursue a portion of their studies abroad. Within the constraints of the campus and College residence requirements, it is possible for students to complete significant portions of the Geology major at an international institution provided that the student consults with one of the undergraduate advisors and carefully plans a course of study abroad that will complement their coursework at Davis. In recent years, UC Davis Geology majors have spent their junior or senior years completing upper division coursework at EAP partner institutions in New Zealand, Ghana, Chile, and the United Kingdom. For more information, see http://geology.ucdavis.edu/students/undergrad/eap.php.

Major Advisors. J.M. McClain, R. Motani

Preparatory Subject Matter

Units:41-43

GEL003

History of Life (Active)

3

GEL003L

History of Life Laboratory (Active)

1

GEL050

Physical Geology (Active)

3

GEL050L

Physical Geology Laboratory (Active)

2

GEL060

Earth Materials: Introduction (Active)

4

MAT016A

Short Calculus (Active)

3

MAT016B

Short Calculus (Active)

3

or

MAT021A

Calculus (Active)

4

MAT021B

Calculus (Active)

4

CHE002A

General Chemistry (Active)

5

CHE002B

General Chemistry (Active)

5

PHY007A

General Physics (Active)

4

PHY007B

General Physics (Active)

4

Choose one:

4

STA013

Elementary Statistics (Active)

4

STA032

Gateway to Statistical Data Science (Active)

4

STA100

Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences (Active)

4

Depth Subject Matter

Units:36

GEL101

Structural Geology (Active)

3

GEL101L

Structural Geology Lab (Active)

2

GEL103

Field Geology (Active)

3

GEL107

Earth History: Paleobiology (Active)

3

GEL107L

Earth History: Paleobiology Laboratory (Active)

2

GEL108

Earth History: Paleoclimates (Active)

3

GEL109

Earth History: Sediments and Strata (Active)

2

GEL109L

Earth History: Sediments and Strata Laboratory (Active)

2

Choose additional upper division electives.

16

GEL 130-194 courses (only one of GEL/EDU 181 or GEL/EDU 183 or 185A or 185B or 186 may be applied toward elective credit).

0-16

HYD 144, 146 and related fields approved in advance by major adviser.

No more than three units upper division elective credit for GEL 115-120 courses.

0-3

Maximum of six units upper division elective credit for GEL 192 or 194A-194B or 194HA-194HB.

“Civilization exists by geological consent—subject to change without notice.”—Will Durant

Geology is the study of the Earth, and in particular its history, structure, and the processes that have molded our planet and its biosphere. Geology involves the origin of continents and ocean basins, earthquakes and volcanoes, variations in global climate, and how these physical changes impact the evolution of life. All of these planetary processes are viewed through the prism of “deep time,” a perspective unique to geologists and one that distinguishes geology from most of the other physical sciences.

A significant component of geology is oriented toward the interaction between humans and the Earth. This aspect includes the study of resources such as minerals, oil, and water; identification and mitigation of Earth hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions; identification and mitigation of polluted ground water; land use planning; and the study of ancient and modern climate change.

The Program. Students interested in becoming professional geologists or continuing their geological studies at the graduate level should choose the Bachelor of Science degree program. The Bachelor of Arts program is for students interested in an interdisciplinary program of study, or who plan to go into pre-college teaching. Both programs allow students to emphasize an aspect of the field of particular interest to them. The upper division electives are not restricted to geology courses but must be chosen to provide a relevant, coherent, and in-depth program of study. Transfer students should have completed as much as possible of the preparatory subject matter listed below.

Internships and Career Alternatives. In recent years in California, the largest employers of geologists have been environmental and geotechnical consulting firms, with oil companies, research laboratories and government agencies also providing opportunities. Students graduating with a Bachelor's degree may get entry-level positions in the private sector or they may go on to attain their teaching credential to fill the growing need for science teachers at all pre-college levels. A Master's degree is the most versatile professional level degree, and a Ph.D. is generally required for research and academic positions. Internships are strongly encouraged for undergraduates and are a means of exploring potential career opportunities that can lead to positions after graduation. UC Davis students have interned at the California Division of Mines and Geology, the State Department of Water Resources, CAL-EPA, and various consulting firms. For more information, see http://geology.ucdavis.edu/students/careers/index.php.

Education Abroad Options. The department strongly encourages interested students to pursue a portion of their studies abroad. Within the constraints of the campus and College residence requirements, it is possible for students to complete significant portions of the Geology major at an international institution provided that the student consults with one of the undergraduate advisors and carefully plans a course of study abroad that will complement their coursework at Davis. In recent years, UC Davis Geology majors have spent their junior or senior years completing upper division coursework at EAP partner institutions in New Zealand, Ghana, Chile, and the United Kingdom. For more information, see http://geology.ucdavis.edu/students/undergrad/eap.php.

Major Advisors. J.M. McClain, R. Motani

Preparatory Subject Matter

Units:56-62

GEL003

History of Life (Active)

3

GEL003L

History of Life Laboratory (Active)

1

GEL050

Physical Geology (Active)

3

GEL050L

Physical Geology Laboratory (Active)

2

GEL060

Earth Materials: Introduction (Active)

4

GEL062

Optical Mineralogy (Active)

2

MAT021A

Calculus (Active)

4

MAT021B

Calculus (Active)

4

MAT021C

Calculus (Active)

4

CHE002A

General Chemistry (Active)

5

CHE002B

General Chemistry (Active)

5

Choose one of these three options:

General Geology Option:

19-25

Choose one:

3-6

CHE002C

General Chemistry (Active)

5

GEL132

Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (Active)

3

HYD134

Aqueous Geochemistry (Active)

6

STA032

Gateway to Statistical Data Science (Active)

4

or

STA100

Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences (Active)

4

PHY007A

General Physics (Active)

4

PHY007B

General Physics (Active)

4

PHY007C

General Physics (Active)

4

or

PHY009A

Classical Physics (Active)

5

PHY009B

Classical Physics (Active)

5

PHY009C

Classical Physics (Active)

5

Geochemistry/Petrology Option:

21-24

Choose one:

3-6

CHE002C

General Chemistry (Active)

5

GEL132

Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (Active)

3

HYD134

Aqueous Geochemistry (Active)

6

STA032

Gateway to Statistical Data Science (Active)

4

or

STA100

Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences (Active)

4

MAT021D

Vector Analysis (Active)

4

PHY009A

Classical Physics (Active)

5

PHY009B

Classical Physics (Active)

5

Quantitative/Geophysics option:

22

MAT021D

Vector Analysis (Active)

4

MAT022A

Linear Algebra (Active)

3

PHY009A

Classical Physics (Active)

5

PHY009B

Classical Physics (Active)

5

PHY009C

Classical Physics (Active)

5

Depth Subject Matter

Units:52

GEL101

Structural Geology (Active)

3

GEL101L

Structural Geology Lab (Active)

2

GEL103

Field Geology (Active)

3

GEL105

Earth Materials: Igneous Rocks (Active)

4

GEL106

Earth Materials: Metamorphic Rocks (Active)

4

GEL107

Earth History: Paleobiology (Active)

3

GEL107L

Earth History: Paleobiology Laboratory (Active)

2

GEL108

Earth History: Paleoclimates (Active)

3

GEL109

Earth History: Sediments and Strata (Active)

2

GEL109L

Earth History: Sediments and Strata Laboratory (Active)

2

GEL110

Summer Field Geology (Active)

8

Choose additional upper division electives from GEL 130-194 courses (only one of GEL/EDU 181 or GEL/EDU 183 or 185A or 185B or 186 may be applied toward elective credit), HYD 144, 146 and related fields approved in advance by major adviser. No more than three units upper division elective credit for GEL 115-120 courses. Maximum of six units upper division elective credit for GEL 192 or 194A-194B or 194HA-194HB.

Chemistry majors may substitute one of the elective courses for Chemistry 110B.

Choose two electives:

6-9

CHE110C

Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Equilibria and Kinetics (Active)

4

GEL108

Earth History: Paleoclimates (Active)

3

GEL146

Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry (Active)

3

GEL148

Stable Isotopes and Geochemical Tracers (Active)

3

HYD134

Aqueous Geochemistry (Active)

6

SSC102

Environmental Soil Chemistry (Active)

3

Chemistry 110C and Materials Science and Engineering 134 cannot both be counted toward the minor.

Paleobiology Emphasis

20

GEL107

Earth History: Paleobiology (Active)

3

GEL107L

Earth History: Paleobiology Laboratory (Active)

2

GEL108

Earth History: Paleoclimates (Active)

3

GEL141

Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (Active)

3

or

GEL144

Historical Ecology (Active)

3

Choose at least nine units:

9

ANT151

Primate Evolution (Active)

4

ANT152

Human Evolution (Active)

5

EVE100

Introduction to Evolution (Active)

4

EVE101

Introduction to Ecology (Active)

4

EVE102

Population and Quantitative Genetics (Active)

4

EVE105

Phylogenetic Analysis of Vertebrate Structure (Active)

4

EVE112

Biology of Invertebrates (Active)

3

EVE112L

Biology of Invertebrates Laboratory (Active)

2

EVE140

Paleobotany (Active)

4

EVE149

Evolution of Ecological Systems (Active)

4

GEL109

Earth History: Sediments and Strata (Active)

2

GEL150C

Biological Oceanography (Active)

4

Total: 19-24

Courses in GEL:

GEL001—The Earth(4)Review all entriesHistorical

Lecture—3 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s).Intoduction to the study of the Earth. Earth's physical and chemical structure;
internal and surface processes that mold the Earth; geological hazards and resources. Not open for credit to students who have taken GEL 050; only 2 credits for students who have taken GEL 002.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL001—The Earth(4)Review all entriesActive

Lecture—3 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s).Introduction to the study of the Earth. Earth's physical and chemical structure; internal and surface processes that mold the Earth; geological hazards and resources. Not open for credit to students who have taken GEL 050; only 2 credits for students who have taken GEL 002.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL.Effective: 2019 Winter Quarter.

GEL002—Earth System Science(3)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s).Solid and fluid earth and its place in the solar system. How the solid earth interacts with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and extraterrestrial environment. Only 2 units credit for students who have taken GEL 050; only 2 units credit for students who have taken GEL 001.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL.Effective: 2017 Winter Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 001 recommended.The history of life during the three and onehalf billion years from its origin to the present day. Origin of life and processes of evolution; how to visualize and understand living organisms from their fossil remains.(Letter.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—2 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s).Introduction to biological evolution. Emphasis on historical development, major lines of evidence and causes of evolution; relationships between evolution and Earth history; the impact of evolutionary thought on other disciplines.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL009—Geology Field Experience(1)Active

Fieldwork—1 session(s).Prerequisite(s):Consent of Instructor. At least one previous GEL class, or concurrent enrollment.Pass One open to non-Geology Majors only. Exposure to geologic features and earth processes in the field. Experiential instruction in earth-science concepts, spatial visualization, landscape evolution, deep time, critical thinking skills, and integrative scientific themes. One 4-5 day field trip. May be repeated up to 1 Time(s) when field trip destination differs.(P/NP grading only.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2018 Fall Quarter.

GEL010—Modern and Ancient Global Environmental Change(3)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s).Fundamental scientific concepts underlying issues such as global warming, pollution, and the future of nonsustainable resources presented
in the context of anthropogenic processes as well as natural forcing of paleoenvironmental change throughout Earth's history.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL, VL.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Introductory survey of the marine environment. Oceanic physical phenomena, chemical constituents and chemistry of water, geological history, the seas biota and human utilization of marine resourcesNot open for credit to students who have taken GEL 116.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL016G—The Oceans: Discussion(2)Active

Discussion/Laboratory—2 hour(s); Term Paper/Discussion—4 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 016 (can be concurrent).Scientific method applied to discovery of the processes, biota and history of the oceans. Group discussion and preparation of term paper.Not open for credit to students who have taken GEL 116G.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, WE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

GEL017—Earthquakes and Other Earth Hazards(2)Active

Lecture—2 hour(s).Impact of earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, landslides, and floods on humans, structures, and the environment. Discussion of the causes and effects of disasters and catastrophes, and on prediction, preparation, and mitigation of natural hazards.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—2 hour(s).The geologic history of California, the origin of rocks and the environments in which they were formed, the structure of the rocks and the interpretation of their structural history, mineral resources, and appreciation of the California landscape. Offered in alternate years.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL, VL.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Origin, evolution and distribution of life in our solar system and the Universe. Detecting habitable worlds, Drake equations, necessities and raw materials for life, philosophical implications of the search for life elsewhere.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Introduction to geomorphology, climate and geology of rivers and watersheds, with case examples from California. Assessment of impacts of logging, agriculture, mining, urbanization and water supply on river processes. Optional river field trips.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL036—The Solar System(4)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s).Nature of the sun, moon, and planets as determined by recent manned and unmanned exploration of the solar system.Comparison of terrestrial, lunar, and planetary geological processes. Search for life on other planets. Origin and evolution of the solar system. (Former course 113-113G.)(Letter.)GE credit: SE, VL, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL050—Physical Geology (3)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):High school physics and chemistry.The Earth, its materials, its internal and external processes, its development through time by sea-floor spreading and global plate tectonics. Students with credit for GEL 001 or the equivalent may receive only 2 units for GEL 050.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL050L—Physical Geology Laboratory(2)Active

Laboratory—6 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 050 (can be concurrent).Introduction to classification and recognition of minerals and rocks and to interpretation of topographic and geologic maps and aerial photographs. Students with credit for GEL 001L or the equivalent may receive only 1 unit for GEL 050L.(Letter.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s); Fieldwork—2 hour(s).Limited to 26 students per section.Exploration of how students learn and develop understanding in science and mathematics classrooms. Introduction to case studies and interview techniques and their use in K-6 classrooms to illuminate factors that affect student learning. (Same course as EDU 081.)(P/NP grading only.)GE credit: SS, VL, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL092—Internship(1-12)Active

Internship—3-36 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Consent of Instructor. Lower division standing.Work-learn experience on and off campus in all subject areas offered by the department. Internships supervised by a member of the faculty.May be repeated up to 12 Unit(s).(P/NP grading only.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 003 or BIS 002A or BIS 010.Evolution and ecological structure of the biosphere from the origin of life to the present.(Letter.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):(GEL 001 or GEL 050 or GEL 116N or ESP 116N); CHE 002A; Consent of Instructor.Geological and environmental factors controlling climate change, the greenhouse effect with a detailed analysis of the history of Earth's climate fluctuations over the last 600 million years. Past and present climate records are used to examine potential future climatic scenarios.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, SL, WE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

GEL109—Earth History: Sediments and Strata(2)Active

Lecture—2 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 050; GEL 050L.Principles of stratigraphic and sedimentologic analysis. Evaluation of historical and modern global changes in sedimentation within terrestrial and marine environments. Examination of the plate tectonic, climatic and oceanographic factors controlling the distribution and exploitation of economic fluids within sedimentary rocks.(Letter.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

GEL109L—Earth History: Sediments and Strata Laboratory(2)Active

Laboratory—6 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 109 (can be concurrent).Methods of stratigraphic and sedimentologic analysis of modern and ancient sediments. Identification of major sediment and sedimentary rock types. Outcrop and subsurface analysis of sedimentary basins. GE credit with concurrent enrollment in course 109. Includes four one-day field trips. (Letter.)GE credit: SE, WE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

GEL110—Summer Field Geology(8)Active

Fieldwork.Prerequisite(s):GEL 060; GEL 103; GEL 109; GEL 105 recommended.Advanced application of geologic and geophysical field methods to the study of rocks. Includes development and interpretation of geologic maps and cross sections; gravity, magnetic, electrical resistivity and seismic surveys; and field analysis of plutonic and volcanic rock suites. Eight hours/day, six days/week for six weeks.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, VL, WE.Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.

GEL115—Earth Science, History, and People(4)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 001 or GEL 050.Study of interplay between the Earth and its human inhabitants through history, including consideration of acute events such as earthquakes and eruptions as well as the geology of resources, topography, and water.(Letter.)GE credit: OL, SE, WE.Effective: 2017 Winter Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Upper division course in environmental science or ecology, or an introductory course in paleobiology.Ancient ecosystems and the factors that caused them to change. Species, expansion, evolution of new modes of life, geologically induced variations in resource supply, and extinction provide historical perspective on the biosphere of future.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s); Fieldwork.Prerequisite(s):GEL 050; GEL 050L; CHE 002B.Geology, geochemistry, and geophysics of geothermal systems, including electrical power generation and direct use applications. Includes one day field trip on a weekend during the quarter. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):MAT 021C; (PHY 007C or PHY 009C); Consent of Instructor.Theory and use of physics in the study of the solid earth. Gravity, magnetism, paleomagnetism, and heat flow. Application to the interpretation of the regional and large-scale structure of the earth and to plate tectonics. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)GE credit: QL, SE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

GEL163—Planetary Geology and Geophysics(3)Review all entriesHistorical

Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s); Fieldwork—2 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Consent of Instructor. Major in mathematics, science, or engineering; or completion of a one-year sequence of science or calculus.Class size limited to 40 students per section.Exploration of effective teaching practices based on examination of how middle school students learn math and science. Selected readings, discussion and field experience in middle school classrooms. (Same course as EDU 181.)(P/NP grading only.)GE credit: SS, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL182—Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry(2-8)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s); Laboratory—1-3 hour(s); Fieldwork—6-40 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Consent of Instructor.Marine geochemistry with the opportunity of going to sea or into the field on land. Techniques of sea-floor mapping using bottom photography, marine geochemical sampling, and method of data reduction and sample analysis. Analysis of data/samples collected. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL183—Teaching High School Mathematics and Science (3)Review all entriesHistorical

Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s); Fieldwork.Prerequisite(s):Major in mathematics, science, or engineering; or consent of instructor with completion of a one-year sequence of science or calculus.Limited to 40 students per section.Exploration and creation of effective teaching practices based on examination of how high school students learn mathematics and science. Field experience in high school classrooms.(Same course as Education 183.)(Letter.)GE credit: OL, SS, WE.Effective: 2017 Fall Quarter.

GEL183—Teaching High School Mathematics and Science (3)Review all entriesActive

Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s); Fieldwork.Prerequisite(s):Major in mathematics, science, or engineering; or completion of a one-year sequence of science or calculus and consent of the instructor.Limited to 40 students per section.Exploration and creation of effective teaching practices based on examination of how high school students learn mathematics and science. Field experience in high school classrooms.(Same course as EDU 183.)(Letter.)GE credit: OL, SS, WE.Effective: 2018 Fall Quarter.

Discussion—1 hour(s); Seminar—1 hour(s).Presentation and discussion of current topics in geology by visiting lecturers, staff, and students. Written abstracts. May be repeated for credit.(P/NP grading only.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2016 Fall Quarter.

GEL192—Internship in Geology (1-12)Active

Internship.Prerequisite(s):Upper division standing; project approval prior to internship.Supervised work experience in geology. May be repeated for credit for a total of 10 units.May be repeated up to 10 Unit(s).(P/NP grading only.)GE credit: SE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL194A—Senior Thesis(3)Active

Variable.Prerequisite(s):Open to Geology majors who have completed 135 units and who do not qualify for the Honors Program.Guided independent study of a selected topic, leading to the writing of a senior thesis.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL194B—Senior Thesis(3)Active

Variable.Prerequisite(s):Open to Geology majors who have completed 135 units and who do not qualify for the Honors Program.Guided independent study of a selected topic, leading to the writing of a senior thesis.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL194HA—Senior Honors Project(3)Active

Independent Study—9 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Open to Geology majors who have completed 135 units and who qualify for the Honors Program.Guided independent study of a selected topic, leading to the writing of an honors thesis.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL194HB—Senior Honors Project(3)Active

Independent Study—9 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Open to Geology majors who have completed 135 units and who qualify for the Honors Program.Guided independent study of a selected topic, leading to the writing of an honors thesis.(Letter.)GE credit: SE, WE.Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—1 hour(s); Fieldwork—2 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 109; GEL 110; or Consent of Instructor. GEL 206 recommended.Fieldwork over spring break. Application of stratigraphic techniques to research problems. Collection, compilation, and interpretation of field data. Integration of data with models for deposition and interpretations of Earth history. Topics will vary. Offered irregularly.May be repeated for credit.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL206—Stratigraphic Analysis(3)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 109; GEL 109L; or Consent of Instructor. GEL 144 recommended.Topics in advanced methods of stratigraphic analysis, regional stratigraphy and sedimentation, and sedimentary basin analysis. Emphasis on techniques used to interpret stratigraphic record and on current issues in stratigraphy and sedimentation. Offered irregularly.May be repeated for credit when topic differs.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture/Discussion—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 101; or Consent of Instructor.Nature and evolution of tectonic features of the Earth. Causes, consequences, and evolution of plate motion, with selected examples from the Earth's deformed belts. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL217—Topics in Geophysics(3)Active

Lecture—1 hour(s); Seminar—2 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Consent of Instructor.Discussion and evaluation of current research in a given area of geophysics. Topic will change from year to year. Offered in alternate years.May be repeated for credit.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL218—Analysis of Structures in Deformed Rocks(3)Active

Seminar—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 100; GEL 100L; GEL 101; GEL 101L; GEL 170; or Consent of Instructor.Recent advances in the understanding and analysis of structures in brittlely and ductilely deformed rocks. Detailed investigation of the characteristics of the structures, models for their formation, and applications to inferring the kinematics of larger scale tectonics. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL219—Fracture and Flow of Rocks(3)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 100; GEL 101; or Consent of Instructor.Origins of those structures in rocks associated with brittle and ductile deformation. Theoretical analysis, using continuum mechanics, and experimental evidence for the origin of the structures with emphasis on deformational processes in the earth. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL220—Mechanics of Geologic Structures(3)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):MAT 021C; (PHY 009A; or PHY 005A); GEL 170; or Consent of Instructor; MAT 021D and MAT 022A recommended.Development in tensor notation of the balance laws of continuum mechanics, and constitutive theories of elasticity, viscosity, and plasticity and their application to understanding development of geologic structures such as fractures, faults, dikes, folds, foliations,
and boudinage. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 108; GEL 150A; or Consent of Instructor.Critical discussion and review of selected topics in paleoceanography and paleoclimatology relating to the history of the processes controlling and affecting climate change and ocean circulation throughout the geologic record. Topics vary. Offered irregularly.May be repeated for credit.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL230—Geomorphology and River Management(3)Active

Seminar—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 139; Or equivalent; graduate standing.Impacts of management and land use activities on the geomorphology of rivers and streams. Evaluation and use of analytical tools for river assessment. Assessment of river and stream restoration strategies and emerging issues in river management. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL232—The Oceans and Climate Change(3)Active

Lecture/Discussion—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Graduate standing or consent of instructor.Modern climate change and linkages between the ocean-atmosphere-cryosphere-terrestrial climate system. Importance of the ocean in forcing climate change, and the impacts of anthropogenic processes on the ocean. Topics vary. Offered irregularly.May be repeated up to 3 Time(s).(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL235—Surface Processes(3)Active

Seminar—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 050; GEL 050L; GEL 139; MAT 021B or MAT 016B recommended.Recent advances in the analysis of landforms and their evolution. Detailed investigation of the tools used to document surface processes. Evaluation of concepts and processes that govern landscape evolution. Offered irregularly.May be repeated for credit.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s); Term Paper.Prerequisite(s):Graduate standing or consent of instructor.Astrophysical context on origin of Solar System, synthesis of chemical elements, condensation sequence, star and planet formation, cosmochronology, building blocks of planets, development on planets' layered structure, atmosphere and hydrosphere and the role of comets/asteroids for volatile delivery. Offered irregularly.
May be repeated up to 3 Time(s) when topics differs.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL253—Current Topics in Igneous Petrology(3)Active

Seminar—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 143; or Consent of Instructor. Graduate standing in Geology.Topical seminar designed to help graduate students develop and maintain familiarity with current and past literature related to igneous rock petrogenesis. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.May be repeated for credit when topic differs.(S/U grading only.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL254—Physical Chemistry of Igneous Processes(3)Active

Lecture—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):CHE 110A; GEL 143; and Consent of Instructor. GEL 143 or consent of instructor; CHE 110B and CHE 110C recommended.Introduction of modern concepts in chemical thermodynamics and kinetics, and fluid dynamics of magmatic systems for graduate students in petrology. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL255—Experimental Petrology(3)Active

Lecture—2 hour(s); Laboratory—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 143; or Consent of Instructor.Introduction to techniques and methods of design and executing experiments on Earth-forming minerals and rocks. Problems and examples from igneous and metamorphic petrology will be utilized. Offered irregularly.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL260—Paleontology(3)Active

Seminar—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Graduate standing in geology or a biological science.Selected problems in paleontology. Subject to be studied will be decided at an organizational meeting. Offered irregularly.May be repeated for credit when topic differs.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL261—Paleobiology Graduate Seminar 1: Evolutionary aspects(3)Active

Lecture—1 hour(s); Seminar—2 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Graduate standing in Geology or a biological science; qualified undergraduates will be accepted on an exception-only basis.This course will treat one or more of several topics in paleobiology from a phylogenetic perspective, including major patterns in evolution, building the tree of life, extinction and phylogeny, phylogeny of major phyla, and the relation between taxonomy and phylogeny.May be repeated for credit when topic varies.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL262—Paleobiology Graduate Seminar: Methodological aspects(3)Active

Lecture—1 hour(s); Seminar—2 hour(s).One or more major methods used in the study of fossils: Morphometrics and three-dimensional reconstruction of fossils, phylogenetic methodology, the application of geochemical techniques, and electron microscopy.May be repeated up to 4 Time(s) topic varies.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Lecture—3 hour(s); Laboratory—1-3 hour(s); Fieldwork—6-40 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Consent of Instructor.Marine geochemistry with the opportunity of going to sea or into the field on land. Techniques of seafloor mapping using bottom photography, marine geochemical sampling, and method of data reduction and sample analysis. Analysis of data/samples collected.(Letter.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Seminar.Prerequisite(s):Consent of Instructor.Short oral presentations by students and faculty concerning results of their past work and plans for future work in the Sierra. A written abstract is required following the format required at professional meetings. Offered irregularly.(S/U grading only.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

Seminar—0.5 hour(s); Discussion—0.5 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Graduate standing.Seminar/discussion group to review and discuss recent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other significant geologic events. The focus is on understanding the available observations, the physical processes behind each event, the geological setting, and societal consequences. Offered irregularly.May be repeated up to 3 Time(s) for up to 3 units.(S/U grading only.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL294—Structure/Tectonics Forum(1)Active

Seminar—1 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Graduate student in geology or consent of instructor.Seminar/discussion group to review and discuss latest research in structural geology and tectonics, and on-going research of participants. Topics will vary each quarter depending on the interests of the group. Occasional field trips to areas of current interest. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.(S/U grading only.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL295—Geophysics Forum(1)Active

Seminar—0.5 hour(s); Discussion—0.5 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 100; GEL 101; or Consent of Instructor.Seminar/discussion group to review and discuss latest research in geophysics, and on-going research of participants. Topics will change each quarter depending on the interests of the group. Offered irregularly.May be repeated for credit when topic differs.(S/U grading only.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL296—Advanced Problems in Tectonics (3)Active

Seminar—3 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):GEL 101; and Consent of Instructor.Seminar dealing with current problems in tectonics of selected regions. Topics will change from year to year. Emphasis on study of recent literature. Offered irregularly.May be repeated for credit.(S/U grading only.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.

GEL297—Geophysics Forum(1)Active

Seminar—0.5 hour(s); Discussion—0.5 hour(s).Prerequisite(s):Graduate student status in the Geology Department, or consent of instructor.Seminar/discussion group to review and discuss latest research in geophysics, and on-going research of participants. Topics will change each quarter depending on the interests of the group. Offered irregularly.May be repeated up to 3 Time(s).(S/U grading only.)Effective: 2013 Fall Quarter.